Golf Training Aid

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a golf training aid that includes a shaft, a grip attached to the shaft and a weight for use in conjunction with the shaft, wherein the weight of the shaft and grip is less than that of a golf club for which training is being provided. The training aid permits both under and overweight training. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a golf training aid having two visually distinct regions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a golf training aid and more specifically a golf swing training aid including removable weights to allow for over and under weighted golf swing training.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Golfers, golf pros and golf coaches would like to find more effective and time efficient ways to train and to improve performance at Golf.

Weighted golf swing training aids are known and widely used by golfers to help improve their full-swing. The term “weighted-club” is commonly used in the golf industry since the clubs are considerably heavier than a traditional golf club and are not intended to hit golf balls. Such weighted golf clubs are generally designed to resemble a traditional golf club (5-iron, driver, sandwedge, etc.) in order to allow the user to feel like they are using actual clubs. These weighted clubs typically include incremental weight increases to consistently increase the weight of the club in the belief that this will result in improved swing. In prior art, these added weights have been concentrated on the end of the shaft causing a change in the moment of inertia of the club and an altered swing motion. This is undesirable.

Though such weighted clubs have achieved popularity and commercial success among the golf community, there is always a continuing need for improvements in golf training aids. Accordingly, an improved golf training aid is highly desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a golf training aid that includes a main body operable to receive at least one weight therein and a removable grip portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the following figures:

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the internal components of one embodiment of the golf training aid of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an external view of a golf training add in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an internal weight component of a golf training add in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a hand grip of a golf training add in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate various approaches for attaching weights to a golf training add in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a golf training aid including removable weights to allow for weighted golf swing training.

Effective training may have one or more of the following effects:

1. maximize activation of desired motor units;

2. minimize inhibition or inhibitory mechanisms;

3. improve power;

4. improve mechanical efficiency; and,

5. improve coordination of agnostic, synergistic and antagonist muscles.

It is an object of the present invention to promote effective training by providing a training device that will permit a combination of slow-velocity, heavy-load training, with higher-velocity training. The benefits of this approach is set out in “Is velocity-specific strength training important in improving functional performance” Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness: September 2002.

However, if too much weight is applied to the training aid, problems occur. The motion of the training aid, when swung, tends to deviate from a desired path of motion. As well, unwanted muscles may be recruited to move the excessively weighted training aid. Some of the prior art devices suffer from these problems. In other words, when the training aid is too heavy, mechanics of swing and motion are adversely affected.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device that weighs both more and less the standard competitive weight of the device. This overload/underload training may improve power and/or speed through the joint range-of-motion in the activity being trained, as is described in “Zawrotny, Steve—Overload/Unload Training: How it Works & Why Ball Players Should Use This Training Method” 11 May 2005, Ezinearticles.com, article ID 35001. Other benefits of overload/underload training may include prevention or reduction of injuries, increased endurance, increased velocity of the clubhead, and enhanced neuromuscular conditioning.

In the present invention, improved power is produced by overload training and improved speed is produced by underload training.

It is desirable to mimic as closely as possible the movement patterns of the skill being learned. As many factors or parameters as possible in the use of the training aid should be similar to the actual skill, including range of motion, speed, acceleration, sequence and timing. As is set out in Cheetham P. “Overload and Over-speed training in Baseball and Golf” Jan. 6, 2007, if any of these parameters stray significantly than the exercise becomes less effective. But one problem is practising with a training aid that is too heavy or too light. In either case, the mechanics of the swing may change and so many the bodies' motor control program. Moment of inertia is the resistance of the training aid to rotational motion. It is possible to produce two training aids with the same weight but different moments of inertia. As described in Cheetham, a significantly different moment of inertia may change the swing pattern or speed.

An effective training aid may enable a muscle to reach maximal force in the shortest possible time and increase explosive muscle power. This may be accomplished by increasing the number of motor neurons recruited, altering motor neuron firing rates, enhancing motor unit synchronization or by removing neural inhibitions.

It is a goal of the present invention to provide a golf training aid that achieves one or more of the following:

1. provides a moment of inertia similar to a regular golf club;

2. does not adversely change the swing motion;

3. permits overloading or underloading;

4. does not provide excessive overloading or underloading; and,

5. is easy and reliable to use.

Club-head speed is an important factor in a golfer's swing that affects the distance a golf ball will travel on contact with the club. The golf training aid of the present invention is based on a scientific analysis of how to increase club-head speed. The scientific analysis measured the effectiveness of swinging both a non-golf heavy weighted training aid and a non-golf light weighted training aid for increasing club head speed. The analysis found that swinging both the heavy and light weighted training aids is a form of plyometric training. Plyometric training helps condition the body to take better advantage of the stretch cycle of the muscle. The stretch shortening cycle allows the body to facilitate a maximal increase in muscle recruitment over a minimal amount of time by employing the energy storage capabilities of the series elastic component of muscle and the stimulation of the stretch reflex. The analysis found that swinging heavy and light weighted training aids was effective for improving the power and speed required for club head speed.

The best results in this non-golf study occurred when the heavy weight and light weight were ±10-12% of the weight of the training aid being used. These weights allowed the swings to remain biomechanically similar to the normal swing.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, it has been found that good results are achieved when the training aid is up to +20% of the weight of the club being simulated, and no less than −10% of the weight of the club being simulated. A training aid may also provide weights greater than +20% of the weight of the club being simulated for a brief warm-up period.

Based on these results, the training aid of the present invention was developed which includes removable weights. These removable weights were designed to provide weight throughout the shaft in order for the trainer to have a similar moment of inertia of a normal golf club. The removable weights when added, make, in one embodiment, the training aid is ±10-12% of the weight of a golf club. For example, in one embodiment the removable weight is ±10-12% of a 5-iron. In addition, a training program, including literature on how to use the product and training videos, has been developed to help a golfer use the training aid and assist in the adjustment of the weighting to achieve the best results.

In one embodiment, the training aid includes a main body having a removable grip portion. The removable grip portion may be connected to the main body by any means known in the art provided that it is removable from the main body. For example, the grip portion may be connected to the main body using a peg and a screw. The peg and screw provide a solid attachment between the grip portion and the main body. In this description the main body is also called the shaft. The components of the main body are illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The proportions of the main body 101 may be, but are not limited to, approx. 24″ in length and approx. ¾″ in outside diameter. The peg 103 that may be used to connect the removable grip portion 102 to the main body 101 may be, for example, approx. 13″ in length of which approx. 1.5″ is inserted inside the main body 101 and fastened with a screw 110. Other means for connecting the removable grip portion 102 to the main body 101 will be known by a person skilled in the art.

In one embodiment, the main body 101 of the training aid 100 is a two-tone colour to allow a golfer to be able to quickly visualise cues on the swing plane and the training aid orientation. However, it will be understood that the main body 101 of the training aid 100 may be monochromatic or may include several different colours or patterns or textures.

The main body 101 is operable to receive a weight 104 within it. In one embodiment, the weight is approx. 24″ in length, i.e. it fills the main body 101 portion, and approx. ¼″ in outside diameter. However, it will be understood that the weight 104 may be shorter and have a varying outside diameter provided that it is operable to be received within the main body 101 of the training aid 100.

In one embodiment, the weight 104 includes at least one frictionless plastic sleeve 105 that is placed around the weight 104 to allow the weight 104 to freely slide in and out of the main body 101 of the training aid 100. In an alternative embodiment, the weight 104 includes three frictionless plastic sleeves 105, one located at each end and one in the middle of the weight 104, to allow the weight 104 to freely slide in and out of the main body 101. Other embodiments including varying numbers of frictionless sleeves and other means to allow the weight 104 to freely slide in and out of the main body 101 are also encompassed within the design of the training aid 100 of the present invention.

As stated above, the training aid 100 includes at least one removable grip portion 102. At least one grip portion 112 is sized to be operable to allow a user to comfortably grip the training aid 100 and to replicate the grip of a golf club.

The components of an embodiment of the present invention are also illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.

Referring to FIG. 3, the proportions of the main body or shaft 301 may be, but are not limited to, approx. 24″ in length and approx. ¾″ in outside diameter. In a preferred embodiment the shaft is constructed of powder-coated steel and brass. The peg 303 that may be used to connect the removable grip portion 302 to the main body 301 may be, for example, approx. 13″ in length of which approx. 1.5″ is inserted inside the main body 301 and fastened with a screw 310 (not shown). The overall length of the training aid (shaft and grip connected) is in a preferred embodiment 38.5 inches. Other means for connecting the removable grip portion 302 to the main body 301 will be known by a person skilled in the art, and are included in the scope of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the mass of the grip portion and main body are about 397 grams. The training aid emulates a specific club. In a preferred embodiment, a 5-iron is emulated.

In one embodiment, the main body 301 of the training aid 300 is a two-tone colour to allow a golfer to be able to quickly visualise cues on the swing plane and the training aid orientation. The two tone colour may run axially along the length of shaft 301. For example, when the golfer can see both colours during both back-swing and follow through the golfer has received some feedback that his or her swing mechanics are desirable. However, it will be understood that the main body 301 of the training aid 300 may be monochromatic or may include several different colours or patterns or textures.

The main body 301 is operable to receive a weight within it. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of such a weight 404 in accordance with the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, weight 404 has a mass of 170 grams. In one embodiment, the weight 404 is approximately 24″ in length, i.e. it fills the main body 301 portion (shown in FIG. 3), and is approximately. ¼″ in outside diameter. However, it will be understood that the weight 404 may be shorter and have a varying outside diameter provided that it is operable to be received within the main body 301 of the training aid 300 (as shown in FIG. 3).

In one embodiment, the weight 404 includes at least one frictionless plastic sleeve 405 (shown in FIG. 4) that is placed around the weight 404 to allow the weight 404 to freely slide in and out of the main body 301 of the training aid 300 (shown in FIG. 3). In an alternative embodiment, the weight 404 includes three frictionless plastic sleeves 405, one located at or towards each end and one in the middle of the weight 404, to allow the weight 404 to freely slide in and out of the main body 301. In a preferred embodiment, the plastic sleeves 405 are made from NAT High Density plastic. Alternatively, the sleeve could be made from Delran, Nylon or PVC type plastics. Other embodiments including varying numbers of frictionless sleeves and other means to allow the weight 404 to freely slide in and out of the main body 301 are also encompassed within the design of the training aid 300 of the present invention.

It is desirable that the centre of mass of the weight 404 be located towards the end of the shaft which is the far end from the grip. This will give the training aid a balance point towards the end of the shaft which is the far end from the grip which will give the training aid a similar feel (and moment of inertia) as a regular golf club. In this way, effective swing motion and swing mechanics will be maintained. With more weight in the head end of the training aid and less in the grip end, the training end, when swung, will feel more like a golf club.

As stated above, the training aid 100 includes at least one removable grip portion 102. At least one grip portion 112 is sized to be operable to allow a user to comfortably grip the training aid 100 and to replicate the grip of a golf club. FIG. 5 shows a grip 512 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Encompassed within the scope of the present invention is different ways of attaching the weights within or two the main body or shaft. FIGS. 6A-6C show alternative embodiments of the invention with different weight and weight attachment structures. FIG. 6A shows a training aid in accordance with the present invention. One end of the shaft or main body is threaded with threads 605 a. A weight 604 a is threaded onto the threads 605 a. Shaft 601 a may contain marks (not shown) indicating preferred locations of weight 604 a. Weight 604 a may optionally contain a lock screw to prevent movement of the weight during use of the training aid.

A further embodiment is shown in FIG. 6 b. Weight 604 b is annular in cross-section. It is received by one end of main body or shaft 601 b. Weight 604 b may optionally contain a lock screw or other means known to those skilled in the art to prevent movement of the weight during use of the training aid.

A further embodiment is shown in FIG. 6 c. Weight 605 c of training aid 601 c may be a cap fixed to one end of the shaft 601 c.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a various weights are provided to provide an increment of weights up to and the maximum overload weight from the minimum underload weight. This permits progressive training to occur.

Test Results

Testing was carried out to validate the effectiveness of the present invention. The testing was comprised of 20 volunteer golfers, in 2 groups, from the driving range who were asked to hit 5 shots with their driver, use a training club and then hit 5 shots for a post analysis. The golfers were asked to warm up before starting the test. Once they indicated they were ready they hit 5 shots recorded by a TrackMan radar unit. 10 players were then asked to swing the training aid in accordance with the present invention. The training aid was the shaft and grip, i.e. the weight was not attached so the training occurred in underweight mode. In the second group 10 players were asked to swing a heavy training club. After completion of the swings the players hit 5 balls for a post analysis with all of the data recorded on the TrackMan radar unit. The test results can be summarized as follows:

-   -   1. Using a training aid in accordance with the present         invention, golfers increased overall distance 16 yards, and         increased ball speed 6.6 MPH;     -   2. Using a heavy training club, golfers increased distance 4         yards and ball speed 2.6 MPH;     -   3. Using a training aid in accordance with the preset invention,         golfers were 20% more accurate (dispersion of shots from a         centreline decreased from 25.7 to 22.2 yards);     -   4. Using a heavy training aid, golfer were slightly less         accurate (dispersion of shot increased from 31.4 yards to 31.9         yards).

Detailed test results are shown in the below table. “Light” data refers to performance after using the present invention. “Heavy” data refers to performance after using a heavy training aid.

DATA WAS SORTED INCLUDING ALL 5 HITS FOR BOTH THE BASELINE AND POST Club Ball Delivery Launch Club Ball Smash Vert. Horz Spin Spin Carry Flat Est. Total Flat Speed Speed Factor Angle Angle Rate Axis Length Side Length Side TOTAL HITS [mph] [mph] [ ] [deg] [deg] [rpm] [deg] [yds] [yds] [yds] [yds] BASELINE DATA Total Hits 101.7 142.7 1.4 9.9 −0.6 3468.4 −1.2 198.0 2.5 225.8 3.0 Baseline Avg. Total Hits 9.3 16.4 0.1 5.0 4.8 1295.2 17.7 45.4 25.7 39.5 27.5 Baseline S/D TOTAL HITS LIGHT DATA Total Hits Light 103.0 149.3 1.5 8.6 −1.7 3665.7 3.6 217.7 2.9 242.3 4.3 Post Avg. Total Hits Light 9.8 13.5 0.0 3.0 4.5 1528.1 13.1 29.2 22.2 29.7 22.6 Post S/D Diff. from Light to 1.3 6.6 0.0 −1.3 −1.1 197.2 4.8 19.6 0.4 16.4 1.3 Base TOTAL HITS BASELINE DATA Total Hits 103.3 147.6 1.4 10.8 −0.4 3241.1 −7.4 207.0 −1.7 241.7 0.0 Baseilne Avg. Total Hits 10.8 19.9 0.1 5.5 4.9 1301.3 21.9 49.2 31.4 40.1 34.3 Baseilne S/D TOTAL HITS HEAVY DATA Total Hits Light 103.6 150.2 1.5 9.8 −0.7 3205.8 −6.9 208.3 −2.6 246.3 −3.6 Post Avg. Total Hits Light 10.9 17.3 0.1 4.2 4.5 1408.8 22.2 53.1 31.9 34.1 34.9 Post S/D Diff. from Heavy 0.2 2.6 0.0 −1.0 −0.3 −35.4 0.5 1.3 −0.9 4.7 −3.6 to Base

DATA WAS SORTED ELIMINATING THE HIGH AND LOW DISTANCE SHOTS FROM BOTH THE BASELINE AND POST Club Ball Delivery Launch Club Ball Smash Vert. Horz Spin Spin Carry Flat Est. Total Flat Speed Speed Factor Angle Angle Rate Axis Length Side Length Side [mph] [mph] [ ] [deg] [deg] [rpm] [deg] [yds] [yds] [yds] [yds] LTC HIGH/LOW TOTAL DISTANCE ELIMINATED H/L Elim. Hits 101.5 141.7 1.4 9.6 −1.0 3436.1 −1.0 198.9 0.1 231.0 1.1 Baseilne Avg. H/L Elim. Hits 9.0 16.4 0.2 4.3 4.3 1338.1 16.2 40.7 24.5 23.2 28.2 Baseilne S/D H/L Elim. Hits 103.4 149.1 1.4 8.3 −1.9 3407.9 4.1 214.2 −0.5 241.4 1.6 Light Post Avg. H/L Elim. Hits 9.9 13.1 0.0 2.6 4.2 1061.2 12.6 24.9 15.5 27.5 19.6 Light Post S/D Diff. from Light to 1.9 7.4 0.0 −1.3 −0.9 −28.1 5.1 15.3 −0.6 10.4 0.5 Base HTC HIGH/LOW TOTAL DISTANCE ELIMINATED H/L Elim. Hits 103.6 146.2 1.4 11.4 −0.9 3425.5 −3.6 203.7 1.0 239.2 −0.8 Baseilne Avg. H/L Elim. Hits 11.1 20.5 0.1 6.6 5.0 1428.8 17.2 56.6 25.6 41.2 33.2 Baseilne S/D H/L Elim. Hits 103.8 151.6 1.5 9.5 −0.6 3075.6 −5.1 211.6 −3.3 247.9 −4.0 Heavy Post Avg. H/L Elim. Hits 11.3 18.2 0.1 2.6 4.2 1012.9 18.6 42.7 25.0 32.4 35.8 Heavy Post S/D Diff. from Heavy 0.2 5.4 0.0 −1.9 0.3 −350.0 −1.5 7.8 −4.2 8.7 −3.1 to Base

DATA WAS SORTED ELIMINATING THE HIGH/LOW TOTAL DISTANCE SHOTS FROM THE BASELINE AND COMPARING VERSUS THE FIRST THREE HITS FROM THE POST Club Ball Delivery Launch Club Ball Smash Vert. Horz Spin Spin Carry Flat Est. Total Flat Speed Speed Factor Angle Angle Rate Axis Length Side Length Side [mph] [mph] [ ] [cleg] [deg] [rpm] [deg] [yds] [yds] [yds] [yds] LTC HIGH/LOW TOTAL DISTANCE ELIMINATED FOR BASELINE 1ST 3 HITS AVERAGED FOR POST H/L Elim. Hits 101.5 141.7 1.4 9.6 −1.0 3436.1 −1.0 198.9 0.1 231.0 1.1 Baseline Avg. H/L Elim. Hits 9.0 16.4 0.2 4.3 4.3 1338.1 16.2 40.7 24.5 23.2 28.2 Baseline S/D 1st 3 Hits Hits 102.7 149.3 1.5 8.1 −1.3 3805.1 4.0 208.9 3.5 240.8 7.7 Light Post Avg. 1st 3 Hits Hits 9.7 13.3 0.0 2.8 3.4 1748.9 15.4 28.2 16.4 28.7 20.3 Light Post S/D Diff. from Light to 1.2 7.6 0.1 −1.5 −0.4 369.1 5.0 10.0 3.3 9.8 6.6 Base HTC HIGH/LOW TOTAL DISTANCE ELIMINATED FOR BASELINE 1ST 3 HITS AVERAGED FOR POST H/L Elim. Hits 103.6 146.2 1.4 11.4 −0.9 3425.5 −3.6 203.7 1.0 239.2 −0.8 Baseline Avg. H/L Elim. Hits 11.1 20.5 0.1 6.6 5.0 1428.8 17.2 56.6 25.6 41.2 33.2 Baseline S/D 1st 3 Hits Hits 103.2 148.6 1.4 10.6 −0.3 3261.2 −6.3 193.2 3.2 244.6 6.2 Heavy Post Avg. 1st 3 Hits Hits 10.9 17.2 0.1 5.1 4.6 1692.1 26.5 59.8 25.4 37.3 37.6 Heavy Post S/D Diff. from Heavy −0.4 2.3 0.0 −0.8 0.5 −164.3 −2.7 −10.6 2.2 5.3 7.0 to Base

While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments and examples, the description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Thus, various modification of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments. Further, all of the claims are hereby incorporated by reference into the description of the preferred embodiments.

All publications, patents and patent applications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety. 

1. A golf training aid for training comprising: a shaft; a grip attached to the shaft; wherein the weight of the shaft and grip is less than that of a golf club which being emulated.
 2. The golf training aid further comprising a weight for use in conjunction with the shaft;
 3. The golf training aid of claim 1 wherein the grip is removable.
 4. The golf training aid of claim 1 where the weight of the shaft and grip is 12% less than that of a golf club which is being emulated.
 5. The golf training aid of claim 1 where the weight of the shaft and grip is 10% less than that of a golf club which is being emulated.
 6. The golf training aid of claim 2 where the mass of the shaft and grip and weight is no more than 20% more than the mass of a golf club which is being emulated.
 7. The golf training aid of claim 2 where the weight of the shaft and grip and weight is more than that of a golf club which is being emulated.
 8. The golf training aid of claim 2 where the weight is located inside the shaft.
 9. The golf training aid of claim 2 where the weight is located outside, and attached to, the shaft.
 10. The golf training aid of claim 2 where the weight is located at the end of the shaft opposite the end of the grip.
 11. The golf training aid of claim 8, further comprising one or more sleeves surrounding the weight.
 12. The golf training aid of claim 1 further comprising an on-line training system.
 13. The golf training aid of claim 1 where the shaft is about 24 inches in length.
 14. The golf training aid of claim 13 where the weight is about 24 inches in length.
 15. The golf training aid of claim one further comprising one or more additional weights.
 16. The golf training aid of claim 1 where the mass of the grip and shaft is about 397 grams.
 17. The golf training aid of claim 2 where the mass of the weight is about 170 grams.
 18. The golf training aid of claim 1 where the overall length of the grip and shaft is about 38.5 inches.
 19. The golf training aid of claim 4 where the golf club being emulated is a 5-iron.
 20. A golf training aid for training comprising: a shaft; a grip attached to the shaft; wherein the shaft has two visually distinct regions, such regions on either side of the axis of the shaft. 